The slightly longer answer: well maybe, kinda but no not really...
Well that's how it feels around here at the moment. Honestly, I have to take my hat off to all of those other Mums and Dad out there working and raising a family, especially those who appear to be keeping it together way better than I am currently.
And single parents - woza you guys rock.
My household is really no different to that of so many others here where I live. Many of the people here are commuters - lots of families have both parents doing the big trip in and out of town everyday, thankfully there is only one of us doing that here but still its a massive drain.
I read somewhere the other day something like 40,000 people from our area commute an hour or more each way each day for work. Yes 40,000!
That's 40,000 people spending an extra 2 - 3 hours a day travelling for work. Amazing.
How on earth do you get a balance when that is standard in your house?
As you all know I returned to work for three days a week back in February. I know I never really wrote about it but I figure you worked it out with all the day care talk.
Since returning to work I can honestly say I have never before felt quite so unprofessional and unorganised at the same time as feeling like I am neglecting Matilda's needs more often than not.
Surely if I am being unprofessional and unorganised its because I am tending to my daughters every whim, yes? And if I am not tending to her every whim it is because I am focusing on my career at that point in time... surely? But no, instead of feeling like it is all nicely balanced or at least feeling like I have one part of this elusive 'work/life balance' thing sorted it all just feels out of whack.
And I have no idea how to get it right!!
Some days as I run madly into the office, hoping all my buttons are done up, that I remembered to brush my hair and pop on even a little make up I think If only I had a sign flashing above my head that said "New Mum returning to work, please be gentle I'm still working it out"
Who am I kidding - that's me most days.
And I am lucky, my workplace is incredible flexible. I wouldn't survive if it wasn't.
So what are we to do? Sure there is the don't work option but for some that is just not realistic, or even the preferred option. But just because a mum, or dad for that matter, wants to keep working doesn't mean they don't find it a challenge.
And then add in the days where the little one is unwell. The balancing act between keeping them home to recover and not infect the other kids at day care and attempting to still be an effective member of the work force - like we need another challenge!
Anyway I really have no answers... just a whole lot of challenges ahead, thank goodness there is another day of the weekend left!
Enjoy xoxo
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| My reasons for being xoxo |
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